Free Dragon Land by Maureen Reynolds Page A

bed.
    One day, Mum read out a letter from her and told me Margaret wanted to pay for my school fees at the Harris Academy, should I pass my qualifying exam. ‘Would you like to go to the Harris Academy, Lizzie?’
    Quite honestly I didn’t care one way or another. My plan when I left school was to travel the world, and I didn’t need good school marks to do that. However, I said I wouldn’t mind.
    My time at Rosebank School would soon be over and I felt sad about leaving it to go on to pastures new. Emily had been put back a year, which meant she wouldn’t be leaving with me, and that was something else for me to miss, as we had been pals since our primary one days.
    She said she would miss me as well, but she seemed happy enough to be staying on. One evening Mum said to meet her at dinnertime in the town and we would go to buy my new outfit. I waited outside the DM Brown’s front door until Mum came hurrying out.
    ‘We’ll have to hurry, Lizzie, as I’ve only got an hour before I have to go back to work.’ We headed for Reform Street and Caird’s outfitter’s store, where Margaret had deposited a cheque to cover the cost of my new uniform.
    ‘We’re very lucky to have your aunt pay for this,’ said Mum, as we hurried along the pavement.
    Inside the store we were served by an elderly, white-haired woman who quickly showed us the school blazer, the navy gym tunic with the gold and brown Harris school braid around the neckline, and a pair of black shoes.
    ‘You must write to Margaret to thank her for her generosity, as it’s not every girl who gets the opportunity to go to a prestigious school,’ said Mum, who seemed quite out of breath with all the hurrying.
    When I arrived home with my packages, Granny wanted to see what I had bought. She inspected the material of the blazer and gym tunic before nodding her appreciation. ‘It’s good quality, so mind you look after it,’ she warned.
    I couldn’t believe how quickly my last term at school had gone, and I was ready to face this new chapter in my life. Because it would soon be my 12th birthday, I felt really grown up. In a few more years the world would be my oyster and I would be free to travel to exotic shores and realise my dreams.
    I was busy doing my homework the day before my birthday, with my head full of far-off places instead of sums and spelling, when Granny announced she had to go to a meeting at the church with Mrs Mulholland.
    ‘You’ll be all right on your own until your mum gets home, Lizzie. Tell her I won’t be long.’
    I barely looked up as she put on her coat and hat before hurrying out the door. Later, when my homework was finished, I settled down with my library book, which was the tale of a couple of adventurous schoolgirls at a boarding school who were always getting into dangerous situations. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t hear the front door open, but when I heard Mum crying, I quickly stood up in alarm and was standing nervously when she came in. Her face was pale and she was shaking as the tears ran down her cheeks.
    I ran forward, as I thought she was going to faint, but she managed to sit on the chair. ‘Mum, what’s wrong?’ The words came out like a whisper, as if I was afraid of the answer.
    ‘Milly’s mother died today.’
    I was shocked, as Mum wiped her eyes with a handkerchief that lay like a sodden lump in her hand.
    ‘A neighbour came to the store this afternoon and Milly had to go home. She was in a dreadful state, so I’ll have to go and see her.’ Mum stopped and looked around the room. ‘Where’s Granny?’
    I mentioned the church meeting.
    ‘Well, you’ll have to go up to Mrs Mulholland’s house and ask if she can look after you till your granny gets home.’
    ‘Mrs Mulholland has gone to the meeting as well,’ I said.
    Mum looked confused and seemed undecided what to do. Suddenly she stood up. ‘Get your coat, Lizzie, you’ll have to come with me.’
    I looked longingly at my